Dubai Spirit Wins, the untold story. Video Credit: Courtesy: The Government of Dubai Media Office

When COVID-19 spread its tentacles across the world, Dubai stepped in with unique strategies to keep the virus at bay.

An entire community pulled together to beat an invisible beast. From frontline forces and those on the fringe to everyone in between, residents from different walks of life rose to the occasion. They practised the pause, kept that social distance and wore those masks. They took their vaccines. And above all, they thanked God they were here in Dubai.

Gulf News presents an exclusive and first-of-its kind interactive report and a documentary in which key officials reveal the crucial roles they played in Dubai’s fight against COVID-19.

Log in later today to watch and experience the true spirit of Dubai.

In our print edition, starting Sunday, September 26, 2021, we will run a four-part series of the mammoth task taken by Dubai to curb the infection.

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DRIVE-BY CHECK. A motorist gets a nasal swab sample taken at a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai. It was part of the Dubai Health Authority’s efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
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A SHOT IN THE ARM. A COVID-19 vaccination centre in Dubai. The vaccination programme, rolled out in December 2020, picked up pace in the following months. Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sputnik vaccines are available in Dubai.
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FRONTLINE WARRIORS. Healthcare workers were at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers and other medical personnel of various nationalities worked round the clock to serve the COVID-stricken people.
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WELCOME TO DUBAI : A passenger undergoes immigration clearance at the Dubai International Airport. Safety measures were ramped up at the airport to keep travellers and staff safe.
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KEEPING FLYERS SAFE : Emirates airline gave away complimentary hygiene kits for passengers who check-in at the Dubai International Airport and on the flights into Dubai.
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COMBATING CORONAVIRUS: Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), launched a campaign encouraging residents to stay home in the wake of COVID-19.